9 best inflatable stand-up paddleboards for fun on the water

There’s a certain Instagram versus reality thing going on with stand-up paddleboards (SUPs) – from images of the effortless, Californian-cool boarder, backlit by golden hour, to the wobbling newbie desperately trying to straighten up without taking an unceremonious dive into the drink.

Somewhere in between, however, is what has actually attracted thousands of people to the aquativity and made it one of the fastest-growing water sports in the UK, as they realise a SUP is a great way to get out on the water and have a ton of fun.

But before you step aboard, there are a few things you need to consider (including the tide times), beginning with pairing the right board to your ambitions. Generally, the wider the board, the more stable it will be, while thickness and volume add to how confident you feel when you get on. Too thin and it will be like paddling driftwood, which is OK if you’re a confident and competent paddler.

Length is another important consideration. Most use a 10ft 6in board, which is a good all-rounder that will track well in the water and go where you want it to. But there are different lengths for all kinds of uses, from and racing to touring and even .